DISCUSSION

Characteristics of a good defense technique

If you describe the purpose of blocking a punch simply as avoiding getting hit, that is valid—but it’s not enough. This mindset keeps you one beat behind and focuses your attention on the opponent’s punch rather than on the openings that they are giving you.

Our method focuses on the following principles:

• Create something the opponent must respond to.
  Don’t just react; give them a problem to solve.
• Move off the line of fire so you don’t absorb the full impact of the strike. Furthermore, they have to find you!
• Affect the opponent physically and mentally so they must adjust—or get hit.
• Be either fully out or fully in.
  Avoid the mid-range where the opponent has many striking options.
• Limit the opponent’s choices as much as possible so the exchange is no longer a guessing game.
• Use double-layered strategy whenever possible – for example, use structural support AND move the target AND breath out to absorb all at the same time rather than relying on a single method and hoping it always works.

Structural support

In general, the human body uses bones for structure and muscles for movement. Many people focus too heavily on muscle use and forget the power that comes from proper structural alignment.

Here are some of the benefits of using body structure:

• Muscles consume energy, and you will fatigue over time.
• Muscles require reaction time, which means they can be late.
• Excess tension slows movement and can even cause opposing muscles to fight each other. For example, tensing both the biceps and triceps before punching makes a fast, strong strike impossible—though it may look good on a bodybuilding stage.

Don’t fall into the trap of thinking internal styles like Taichi do not use muscles. If you’re standing, you are using muscles. If you bend your knees, you are using thigh muscles. The key difference is the focus: not on muscle contraction, but on the task at hand.

Some people tense their shoulders and arms before striking. These “preparations” are telegraphs, signals that reveal your intention to your opponent.

As a senior, percentages are against you if someone cares to bully you. Don’t compete on his terms, learn to fight smart. Apply the laws of physics like leverage, shape, etc.

Muscles require commitment to generate power. A properly aligned structure can remain in place indefinitely and function automatically when needed, with no advance signal.

Structure is extremely strong when used as intended, but very weak when pushed beyond its limits. A toothpick can deliver a painful poke if you press its tip against your finger, yet it snaps easily when pressed from the side.

SCENARIOS

Defense against circular swings

“Stay out or in.”
Circular hooks or swings often have shorter reach than straight punches. When you are outside their reach, you are safe. When you are inside—past the distance they train their heavy bag—you enter a zone where they often feel they need “more room” to hit harder. That close range can be a safe zone if you know how to use it.

Point your elbow at the swinging arm.

If the opponent’s arm strikes your elbow perpendicularly, there is a good chance they will injure themselves badly.

Warning: The following video is gruesome but reflects real-world consequences.

Review and practice defense against six grips

• Low, crossover, thumbs-up grip
• Low crossover, palms down grip
• Low, same-side, thumbs-up grip
• High crossover grip
• High same-side grip
• Two-arms-low grip

EXERCISES

Some of you are still struggling with the “gallops.” Here are a few things to avoid:

• Do NOT use the terms “front” and “back.”
  These refer to where you are looking, not the direction of movement. The key consideration is your direction of travel, so please use the terms “leading” and “trailing.”
• Do NOT gallop with noticeable level changes on each step.
  This wastes energy and time—save that effort for when you truly need to sprint away. Keep your movement smooth and maintain a consistent height unless there is a specific purpose for changing levels.

Some of you also mentioned that there are many concepts to absorb. Reprogram your brain over time by reading the class notes, applying the principles by brainstorming examples where the theories are applicable. This mental training is just as important as the physical training.